Olivia Rossong is a freelance graphic designer, hobby farmer, and lifelong learner. She has a decade of experience working in senior care. After completing her certification as a CCA in 2012, she worked closely supporting people to meet their daily needs. She discovered that healing comes from slowing down and truly being present, and there is no better way to do that than through artistic expression. Olivia naturally moved into program coordination – to allow for more meaningful connections. Coordinating programs provided joy for her and all those involved – from “Lessons on the Bus” to the VON Adult Day Program. When asked to be an artist facilitator for AHA!’s Art’s Canopy Program, she jumped on the opportunity to plan weekly sessions that explored storytelling, music, nature, and art. Witnessing the positive impacts AHA! has on the community inspired her to partake in AHA!’s presentation at the 2018 Provincial Alzheimer’s Conference. Olivia believes that art is one of the most effective sources of healing – for oneself and the world around us!
Olivia has been training to offer dance classes with AHA! for those with Parkinson’s and other movement challenges and will begin these in Antigonish and Pictou Counties in 2023.